updating my homes electrics

[bigzed11]

My fuse board is the very old fashioned type witha 4 fuses,lights,sockets,immersion heater,and cooker point.How do I update to a modern consumer unit,what do I need and what is all this RCD units etc mean.Thanks.

 

[breezer]

I would suggest that you get an electrician or your local electricity supplier to change your consumers unit. All cables and connections must be tested by a qualified electrcian (as this link shows)

http://www.diydoctor.org.uk/projects/consumer_unit.htm

It does mention and rcd but i also found this that goes into more detail
(its only a plug in one but the principal is correct)

http://www.mywatergarden.co.uk/rcd.html

 

[alexnic]

If you replace your consumer unit then get a Split Load board whereby there are usually 5MCB's protcted by an RCD (sockets ,shower, cooker etc.)and 5MCB's protected by the main switch (lights, CH etc,...not normally RCD protected in order to prevent nuisance tripping)
The RCD (Residual Current Device) monitors the potential between the Live & Nuetral and will TRIP OUT in the event of any change in differece between them eg. an Earth fault or
more to the point .... a person touching the Live and the earthed metal work in the house
whereby the power will be terminated before they can be electrocuted!

A VERY RECOMMENDABLE device to have installed!

I assume you are asking this question in response to your question on 'Garage Electrics' that I answered. The 'Garage Consumer Unit' I referred to is a seperate unit that would be installed in the garage and not in the house, but you still need a seperate supply to it. If you do not have a spare fuse available it may well be worthwhile upgrading your main consumer unit to a larger one as mentioned rather than installing a single unit alongside it.

TLC usually have one on 1/2 price special which would give you ample capability for any future projects

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Special_Offers/index.html

PS. There is a good Technical section on their website which is worth a look at!